1/16/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – In its commitment to supporting the mental well-being of students from pre-kindergarten through college, the FHSU Department of Advanced Education Program will present the Olliff Family Educational Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 5. This virtual event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Will Stutterheim, M.S., LCP, from the Department of Psychology at FHSU. Titled “Fields of Stress: The Hidden Mental Health Burden on America’s Agricultural Heartland,” the presentation will focus on a critical, yet often overlooked challenge – the mental well-being of those within the agricultural community. Given the vital role agriculture plays in western Kansas, this session will provide essential insights for educators and mental health professionals supporting individuals from farming and ranching backgrounds.

Will Stutterheim is an instructor at FHSU with more than 20 years of experience in mental health therapy and education. Having grown up on a multi-generational farm in northwest Kansas, Stutterheim brings a deeply personal perspective to his clinical expertise. After 13 years as a therapist in the rural farming community of Phillipsburg, he specializes in helping families navigate the unique stressors of agricultural life.

His presentation will focus on agriculture, stress, and mental health, as well as skills and strategies to support individuals struggling with their mental health.

Registration is available at https://forms.gle/Qe6p7egzEmfbYtxj7

The Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants two days prior to the symposium.

About the Olliff Family Educational Symposium: The symposium began in 2017 and was later named after the Olliff Family in honor of the late Darel Olliff and his wife, Shirley. As a third-generation funeral director in Phillipsburg, Darel developed a passion for mental health. His son, Dr. Kenton Olliff – a long-time employee of FHSU – had worked with his dad for several years before going into teaching.

To ensure the symposium would be offered every year, Kenton committed in 2019 to financially support this important event along with his mother; his wife, Carol Solko-Olliff; and the Olliff family. Kenton, a licensed clinical professional and addiction counselor, is an emeritus faculty member in Counseling at FHSU, where Carol is the director of International Student Services.